Anything can happen in the Champions League. In this Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund matchup, the La Liga and Bundesliga quarter-final participants will look to fight for their spot in the next round. Some may have the Catalan side penciled in already. The Germans, however, will have something to say about that.
Recent Form and Path to the Quarter-Finals
A 1-0 away victory gave Hansi Flick the advantage during the Round of 16 against Benfica. At the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, he guided his team to an impressive 3-1 win. During the Champions League league phase, they finished second in the table with 19 points. The eight matches played only resulted in one loss.
By contrast, the Bundesliga side needed a comeback win against Lille in France. After drawing 1-1 in Dortmund, they conceded the first goal during the second leg. A penalty and 65th-minute winner from Maximilian Beier then saw them through. Before knockout play, the Germans finished 10th in the table with 15 points. Their team suffered three defeats during that timeframe.
Key Players and Tactical Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund Battle
Between players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, this Barca side boasts an excellent attack. Jules Koundé is always dangerous when joining his teammates in the opponent’s half of the pitch. The midfield, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri are also formidable.
Serhou Guirassy is as good as any forward in front of a goal. Pascal Groß can prove his equal against midfielders. On most occasions, Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre can be a formidable centre-back duo for opposing teams, and Karim Adeyemi can be an x-factor for the Bundesliga side.
Historical Context and Insights
Before this past year, the only other encounter between these teams was back in 2019. After a 0-0 draw in Germany, Lionel Messi scored during the second leg at Camp Nou. The group stage game ended in a 3-1 win. This past December, however, Ferran Torres scored a brace. The La Liga side then won 3-2 in Dortmund. Guirassy also scored twice in that encounter. The Bundesliga team will feel good about their chances of repeating the close result that didn’t happen too long ago.
Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund Conclusion
The La Liga side is expected to enter the Champions League semi-finals. Their Bundesliga competition, though, will aim to put up an intense fight. They will aim to catch the Spaniards out. Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund could end up surprising football onlookers.
